The cream of British cinema talent was honoured at the Evening Standard Film Awards.
Luther star Idris Elba was named best actor for his role in West African civil war drama Beasts Of No Nation, while Dame Maggie Smith received the female equivalent for her performance in The Lady In The Van.
It is the fourth time she has picked up the honour, 37 years since she last won it with California Suite.
John Crowley's Brooklyn - about an Irish immigrant in the US in the 1950s - claimed the top prize in the category for best film, presented by former Friends star Matthew Perry.
It took the honour ahead of 45 Years, The Lobster and High-Rise.
The special award went to Alan Bennett for his contribution to film.
The awards were held in partnership with Television Centre, the former home of the BBC in White City.
The event was attended by the likes of Vanessa Redgrave, Stanley Tucci and Tuppence Middleton, and were hosted by comedian Simon Amstell.